Bahnhof Nendeln

“Did the Romans really build a train station here?” a young boy whispered to his mother, pointing towards Bahnhof Nendeln. His mother smiled. “Not quite, sweetie. But they did have villas nearby, long before Bahnhof Nendeln existed.” Bahnhof Nendeln, nestled in the charming village of Nendeln in Liechtenstein, has witnessed the passage of time since its opening in 1872. It stands as a testament to Liechtenstein’s interwoven history with its neighbors, Austria and Switzerland. This station isn’t just a stop on a train line. It’s a vital link between countries, a hub of activity, and a keeper of stories. Originally, Bahnhof Nendeln was a modest structure, a “haltestelle” compared to the grander “station” of Schaan-Vaduz. It was built to fulfill Liechtenstein’s agreement with the Vorarlberger Bahn, a requirement for the railway line to cross the principality. Imagine the hustle and bustle of those early days, with horse-drawn carriages bringing passengers to the newly built station. The station has seen many changes since then. In 1926, an addition was built to accommodate the Swiss customs office, reflecting Liechtenstein’s customs union with Switzerland. The year 1927 brought a dramatic flood when the Rhine dam broke near Schaan. Even Bahnhof Nendeln, situated some distance away, experienced the floodwaters surging through its tracks. Around 1929, a small annex was constructed to house a mechanical interlocking system. Later, in 1931, the station building was extended upwards to create living quarters for the stationmaster. Though years have passed and technology has advanced, Bahnhof Nendeln still retains its historical charm. While there were ambitious plans to modernize the station and create a double track as part of the S-Bahn Liechtenstein project, these were ultimately rejected in a 2020 referendum. Today, Bahnhof Nendeln remains a vital transportation hub, served by the Vorarlberg S-Bahn line S2. Eleven trains each day connect the station to Feldkirch, Austria, and Buchs SG, Switzerland. It’s a crucial crossing point on the Feldkirch-Buchs line, where trains can pass each other on the two tracks. The station is also a key stop for several bus lines, making it a truly interconnected part of the local transportation network. And if you look closely, you might even spot a modern-day connection to the past. A local forestry company still uses the station’s siding to load timber, a reminder of the station’s historical role in goods transportation. So, next time you find yourself at Bahnhof Nendeln, take a moment to appreciate its rich history. From Roman villas to modern rail travel, this unassuming station holds a wealth of stories waiting to be discovered.